Animal control fund raiser a success (from the Times, 12/30/09.)

Animal Control's Fundraiser Was A "Success"

"Friends of Animal Control and Rescue would like to extend a giant thank you to everyone who helped us with our first fundraiser.

We had a flea market in Crestwood Plaza, and our success was entirely a group effort. We all worked together and we raised money for our Crestwood shelter.

We hope to have more fundraisers in the near future, so watch our Web site, FOACAR.com for updates.

Thanks to the mall, to all those who donated items for the sale, and to the businesses which donated our raffle items. A super huge thanks to all who came out and bought and gave donations as well!

We were overwhelmed with support and well wishes. Even the grinch who helped our signs disappear couldn't dampen the good spirits.

We now know that there are many, many friends of animal control and we are excited for our future fundraisers!"

Mary Wheat
Crestwood
December 30, 2009

Congratulations to the "Friends of Animal Control" who worked so hard to raise all that money! I assume you are now ready to fund the entire project as we have lost yet another tax source?

Ms. Wheat, I guess you know that the "fund" needs at least $51,000.00 per year to pay the salary and benefits for Ms Susie Sutton right? Pray tell was that goal reached or will you be having fund raisers every weekend to achieve it?

Sorry ladies but the only way I know to illustrate the absurdity of this duplicate function known as Crestwood Animal Control is with absurdity. The vast majority of tax payers in Crestwood are not at all interested in your "adoption program," nor are we interested in your volunteering to walk the animals when and if they are picked up!

We cannot afford this anymore, so if this hobby group is to continue, please print your address so the bills can be sent to you rather than us!


Tom Ford

NO. 708

A message from Mr. Ray Stevens (click here.)

This came to me via a Crestwood resident, and I thank him for it as it says it all as far as I am concerned.

Please turn up your speakers and enjoy.

Tom Ford

NO. 707

A very moving painting (click here please.)

It speaks for it's self I believe.




Tom Ford

No. 706

More trouble for Crestwood economics (click here for the story.)

http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/
2009/12/28/story3.html?surround=
etf&ana=e_article&b=1261976400^2637051



The good news is that we will be fighting Back say's the Mayor (click the link above for that story.)



2010 will be a VERY INTERESTING YEAR TO SAY THE LEAST.

(Link edited 12/27/09 to show the Mayors response.)



TOM FORD

no. 705

NORAD tracks Santa! (click here for tracking Santa!)

Each year the North American Air Defense Command has the task of tracking Santa Clause on the defense radar. Now you and the kids can watch Santa as he progresses on his Christmas Eve trip around the world!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Felice Natividad, Happy Kwanzaa, CRESTWOOD!!




Tom Ford

NO. 704

Christmas fun for the kid's in the family (click here.)

A great holiday puzzle for the whole family. Put it together and see who shows up!

Tom Ford

NO. 703

Here is a fun thing for you and the Kids to do for Christmas, "elf yourself" (click here.)

This comes to us courtesy of Office Max, and it's a really neat way to send a card to all your friends and relatives. All you have to do is click on the header for the site, insert the photo's you want to use and send them! Neat, no?

Please thank Office Max in Crestwood for providing us the site by shopping there over the Holiday's, and when you check out, tell them thanks for the "elf yourself" program!

Merry Christmas, and a safe and joyous New Year.

Tom Ford

NO. 702

"Friends of animal control" open a store at Crestwood Courts!

That's right folks, the "Friends of animal control" have opened a shop for three weekends only in Crestwood Courts next to the Post Office, weekends only from now until 12/20/09.

I am happy to tell you they have also gained their 501-C3 status from the State, and the IRS, so they are tax exempt, and you MAY have a deduction for contributions (ask your tax adviser.)

I for one wish to congratulate this group for their efforts to save animal control in Crestwood, and I very much applaud their efforts to date.

Now, since the group is moving forward, and will soon have the funding they need to continue with animal control, is it too much to ask that the City remove it from the budget for 2010? All along animal control volunteers have said they would pay their way, and I am willing to allow them to make good on their remarks!

Memo to Mr. Jim Eckrich and the Board, please cut the City portion of this expense and give the Bills to "Friends of animals," and let's move on.

Tom Ford


NO. 701

A fun night in the offing on Tuesday, December 8th. at City Hall. 6:00 PM sharp, when Mayor Robinson "Lights the City!"

Bring the whole family and enjoy the spirit of the season with the Mayor,and the Sperring Synchronicty Choir. Best of all the kiddies will have the chance to visit with Santa, and you will have the photo's for future holidays!

Guess what? It's free! So why not come out and join your friends and neighbors in a wonderful kick off to the Christmas Season in Crestwood?

Tom Ford

NO. 700

Ms. Karen Rainey presents a "new" idea for an email exchange (click here for audio.)

While on the surface this seems like a great idea, some questions have been raised in my mind.

No one in the City responsible for the use of the gathered addresses.

No formal content approval process.

No written content guidelines.

No written guidelines regarding email responses.

Process is not approved by BOA but the email access has been granted to a non city employee.

The use of City email account's by ANYONE not directly accountable to the City opens the City up to needless liability.

Now,while I do not expect that Ms. Rainey's actions will be anything but honorable in this endeavor, I worry about the use of a City email address BY ANYONE other than a City employee. There are certain uses for those addresses that are prohibited, such as "data mining" where the addresses are used for a political candidate to send out campaign literature, or requests for donations.

As I said this is a good idea, and I thank her for the time and effort, but that said, there must be "checks and balances' in place for ANY use of the City email account. I ask the BOA to make completely certain that a review by the City is in place for each and every use of that address, or failing that, I suggest that a separate site be set up, absent City involvemt.



Tom Ford

NO. 699